Vehicular floor mat system

ABSTRACT

A mat system for a vehicle floor that has a floor mat retainer defining a fixed first vertical axis. The floor mat system includes an adapter portion and a mat portion. The adapter portion has a first receiver to enable engagement of the adapter portion to the mat and a plurality of second receivers to enable engagement of the adapter portion to the mat retainer at a selected one of a multitude of locations. Each engagement of the adapter portion to the mat retainer is rotational about the fixed first vertical axis, according to a selection from the plurality of second receivers.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation-in-Part of and claims the benefit toU.S. non-Provisional application Ser. No. 14/225,998 filed on 26 Mar.2014, which is in turn a Continuation-in-Part and claims the benefit toU.S. non-Provisional application Ser. No. 14/078,036 filed on 12 Nov.2013, and Ser. No. 14/184,032 filed on 19 Feb. 2014. Benefit is claimedherein to both and the entire teachings of both are incorporated hereinby reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to vehicular floor mats. Morespecifically, the present invention is related to a vehicle floor matsystem engageable to and customizable with the multitude of mat-securingfeatures which vary from vehicle to vehicle. Alternatively, the presentinvention is related to an adapting system for engaging and customizingan aftermarket automotive floor mat to the multitude of mat-securingfeatures and floor shapes which vary from automobile to automobile.

BACKGROUND

Automotive floor mats and floor mats for other vehicles are commonlyused to contain spills and shoe-borne debris and to protect theunderlying carpet. Vehicle manufactures typically provide such floormats with or as an optional accessory for these purposes. To preventslippage of such mats about the floor, auto manufacturers often providesecuring means that hold the mat in its intended position. Because suchslippage could allow the mat to interfere with operation of theaccelerator and brake pedals, such securing means are now required for amat at the driver's feet.

Each automaker has its own means for securing its mats within its cars,which has heretofore retarded the ability for aftermarket matmanufacturers to offer mats which universally fit to multiple or allcars. To date, retailers have been forced to carry a first selection ofmats which are useful in one make of automobile, a second selectionuseful in a second make, a third selection useful in a third make, etc.Obviously, the retailers have limited shelf space for offering such awide number of mat selections, so the number of automobile makes forwhich they offer mats must be limited, the number of selections (colors,styles, etc) for each make must be compromised, and/or the number ofpieces kept in inventory must be reduced.

Each automobile model has a differently shaped floor to which the floormat is expected to fit and conform. There exist in the prior art severalvehicular floor mats which provide for trimming by the end-user to bestfit the mat within the floor of the intended vehicle. Among those, U.S.Pat. No. 6,794,013 teaches a mat having “relatively thin” flaps which“can be trimmed down with scissors if desired, to achieve the best fitof the floor mat for a particular floor area”, and the WeatherTech“Trim-to-Fit All Vehicle Cargo Mat”(www.amazon.com/WeatherTech-Trim-Vehicle-Cargo-Black/dp/B00031DE4U8)includes cutting guide lines to assist the end-user in trimming the matto best fit to the intended vehicle. None of such prior art mats enableor suggest the ability to securely engage the mat with the specificengagement means of the intended vehicle, or provide for secureengagement with the multitude of mat-securing features which vary inposition and configuration from automobile to automobile.

There exists a need for reducing the number of mats that a retailer muststock to serve the multitude of automobile makes and models and thesimilar multitude of securing arrangements, and such is an object of thepresent invention. There exists a need for reducing the number of matsthat an aftermarket manufacturer must offer to serve the multitude ofautomobile makes and models, and such is an object of the presentinvention. There exists a need to adapt and customize aftermarket matsto the multitude of automakers' mat securing arrangements and floorshapes, and such is an object of the present invention. Further needsand objects exist which are addressed by the present invention, as maybecome apparent by the included disclosure of an exemplary embodimentthereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention may be practiced in a floor mat for a vehicle floor of thetype having a floor mat retainer defining a fixed first vertical axis,the floor mat including an adapter portion, a mat portion, and a matfastener. The adapter portion may include a planar panel disposedbetween the mat portion and the vehicle floor and having a primaryreceiver for engaging the adapter portion to the floor mat retainer, anda multitude of secondary receivers adapted to be selectably engaged bythe mat fastener The mat portion may include a locator disposed inboardon the mat portion and engageable to a selected one of the adapter'ssecondary receivers by the mat fastener to define a selectable secondvertical axis parallel to the fixed first vertical axis. The adapter maybe pivotable along a substantially horizontal plane about the fixedfirst vertical axis such that the selectable second vertical axis ispivotable about the fixed first pivot axis. The mat portion may bepivotable along a substantially horizontal plane about the selectablesecond vertical axis, and the mat portion may include a plurality ofperipheral outlines for guiding trimming of the mat portion into a matshape, one of the peripheral outlines intended to cause the mat shape tocorrespond with a floor shape of the vehicle floor, whereby trimming ofthe mat portion along the one of the peripheral outlines causes the matshape to correspond with the floor shape. Variation in the selection ofthe adapter's secondary receiver to which is engaged the mat portion andpivoting of the adapter about the fixed first vertical axis may enablevariation of a transverse and longitudinal disposition of the matportion relative to the vehicle floor, and rotation of the mat portionabout the selectable second vertical axis may enable variation of arotational disposition of the mat portion relative to the vehicle floor.

The adapter may further include cleats extending downwardly there-fromto engage the vehicle's floor and prevent inadvertent movement of theadapter relative thereto. The primary receiver may be a passive vehiclefloor mat retainer receiver. The adapter may further include a secondprimary receiver adapted to engage the adapter to an active vehiclefloor mat retainer. Or the primary receiver may be an active vehiclefloor mat retainer receiver.

The locator may be a hole through the mat portion. The fastener mayinclude separate first and second portions, the first portion having ashank passable through the hole and a head incapable of passing throughthe hole, and the second portion may be a grommet rigidly engageable tothe selected secondary receiver and adapted to capture the shank portionto engage the mat portion to the adapter. Or the locator may include thefastener.

The invention may alternatively be practiced in a floor mat for use on avehicle floor and for use with an adapter engaged to a mat retainer ofthe vehicle floor such that the adapter is pivotable about a fixed firstvertical axis defined by the mat retainer, and the adapter may be of thetype having a multitude of receivers to enable engagement of the mat tothe adapter in a multitude of dispositions. The floor mat may include alocator disposed inboard on the mat for alignment with a selected one ofthe receivers to allow variation of a transverse and longitudinaldisposition of the mat relative to the adapter, the locator defining asecond vertical axis parallel to the fixed first vertical axis. Thefloor mat may also include a plurality of peripheral outlines forguiding trimming of the mat into a mat shape, one of the peripheraloutlines intended to cause the mat shape to correspond with a floorshape of the vehicle floor, wherein trimming of the mat portion alongthe one of the peripheral outlines causes the mat shape to correspondwith the floor shape. Rotation of the mat about the second vertical axismay cause variation of a rotational disposition of the mat relative tothe adapter.

The mat may further include a fastener to secure the mat to the adapter.The fastener may secure the mat to the adapter at the locator. Thelocator may include the fastener.

The invention may alternatively be practiced in a floor mat system foruse on a vehicle floor and adaptable for engagement to one or more of amultitude of vehicle mat retainers of various types and positions,wherein the system includes an adapter overlying the vehicle floor andaffixable to one of the one or more of a multitude of vehicle matretainers, and a mat overlying and affixable to the adapter. The one ofthe one or more of a multitude of vehicle mat retainers may define afixed first vertical axis, and the adapter may include a planar panelhaving means for engaging the adapter to the one of the one or more of amultitude of vehicle mat retainers such that the adapter is pivotablealong a substantially horizontal plane about the fixed first verticalaxis. A multitude of receivers each may be adapted to allow engagementof the mat thereto. The mat may include a locator disposed inboard onthe mat and engageable to and alignable with a selected one of theadapter's receivers to enable variation of a transverse and longitudinaldisposition of the mat relative to the vehicle's floor. The locator maydefine a second vertical axis parallel to the fixed first vertical axis,whereby rotation of the mat along a substantially horizontal plane aboutthe second vertical axis enables variation of a rotational dispositionof the mat portion relative to the vehicle's floor. And the mat mayinclude a plurality of peripheral outlines for guiding trimming of themat into a mat shape, one of the peripheral outlines intended to causethe mat shape to correspond with a floor shape of the vehicle floor,whereby trimming of the mat portion along the one of the peripheraloutlines causes the mat shape to correspond with the floor shape.

The adapter may further include cleats extending downwardly there-fromto engage the vehicle's floor and prevent inadvertent movement of theadapter relative thereto. The means for engaging the adapter to the oneof the one or more of a multitude of vehicle mat retainers may be areceiver for a passive vehicle floor mat retainer. The adapter mayfurther include a receiver for an active vehicle floor mat retainer. Orthe means for engaging the adapter to the one of the one or more of amultitude of vehicle mat retainers may be a receiver for an activevehicle floor mat retainer. The locator may be a hole through the mat.

The floor mat may further include a fastener having separate first andsecond portions, the first portion having a shank passable through thehole and a head incapable of passing through the hole, and the secondportion is a grommet rigidly engageable to the selected one of theadapter's receivers wherein the grommet may capture the shank portion toengage the mat to the adapter. The locator may be a fastener forsecuring the mat to the adapter.

The invention may additionally be practiced in a mat system for avehicle floor having a floor mat retainer defining a fixed firstvertical axis, the floor mat system having an adapter portion and a matportion, wherein the adapter portion has a first receiver to enableengagement of the adapter portion to the mat and a plurality of secondreceivers to enable engagement of the adapter portion to the matretainer at a selected one of a multitude of locations, each engagementof the adapter portion to the mat retainer being rotational about thefixed first vertical axis according to a selection from the plurality ofsecond receivers. The mat portion may have a fastener defining a secondvertical axis and disposed inboard on the mat portion for rotationalengagement with the first receiver about the second vertical axis toallow variation of a rotational disposition of the mat portion relativeto the adapter portion. The second vertical axis may be parallel to thefixed first vertical axis. A selectable distance may be establishedbetween the first and second vertical axes by the selection from theplurality of second receivers, and rotation of the mat portion about thesecond vertical axis together with the selection from the plurality ofsecond receivers and the rotation of the adapter portion about the fixedfirst vertical axis may cooperate to allow selectable variation of arotational and orthogonal disposition of the mat portion relative to themat retainer.

The adapter portion may be an elongate band with frangible groovesbetween adjacent pairs of the second receivers. The adapter portion mayinclude a cleat portion and an elongate band portion, the cleat portionhaving teeth extending downwardly there-from to engage the vehicle'sfloor and prevent inadvertent movement of the adapter portion relativethereto. The cleat portion may have the first receiver and the elongateband portion may have the plurality of second receivers. The cleatportion may be rigidly or rotationally engageable with the elongate bandportion. The second receivers may be passive or active vehicle floor matretainer receivers. The fastener may be a headed post dependingdownwardly from the mat portion and integrated therewith by one or moreof gluing, sewing, and over-molding.

The invention may additionally be practiced in a floor mat for use on avehicle floor and for use with an adapter engageable to a mat retainerof the vehicle floor, the mat retainer defining a fixed first verticalaxis, and the adapter having a first receiver to enable engagement ofthe adapter to the mat, and a plurality of second receivers to enableengagement of the adapter to the mat retainer at a selected one of amultitude of locations according to a selection from the plurality ofsecond receivers. Each engagement of the adapter to the mat retainer maybe rotational about the fixed first vertical axis, The floor mat mayinclude a fastener defining a second vertical axis and disposed inboardon the mat for rotational engagement with the first receiver about thesecond vertical axis to allow variation of a rotational disposition ofthe mat relative to the adapter. The second vertical axis may beparallel to the fixed first vertical axis. A selectable distance may beestablished between the first and second vertical axes by the selectionfrom the plurality of second receivers, and rotation of the mat aboutthe second vertical axis together with the selection from the pluralityof second receivers and the rotation of the adapter about the fixedfirst vertical axis may cooperate to allow selectable variation of arotational and orthogonal disposition of the mat relative to the matretainer.

The invention may additionally be practiced in an adapter for use on avehicle floor and with a floor mat, and a mat retainer of the vehiclefloor, the mat retainer defining a fixed first vertical axis, and themat including a fastener defining a second vertical axis and disposedinboard on the mat. The second vertical axis may be parallel to thefixed first vertical axis. The adapter may include a first receiver forrotational engagement with the fastener of the mat about the secondvertical axis to allow variation of a rotational disposition of the matrelative to the adapter, and a plurality of second receivers to enableengagement of the adapter to the mat retainer at a selected one of amultitude of locations according to a selection from the plurality ofsecond receivers. Each engagement of the adapter to the mat retainer maybe rotational about the fixed first vertical axis, and a selectabledistance may be established between the first and second vertical axesby the selection from the plurality of second receivers, and rotation ofthe mat about the second vertical axis together with the selection fromthe plurality of second receivers and the rotation of the adapter aboutthe fixed first vertical axis cooperate to allow selectable variation ofa rotational and orthogonal disposition of the mat relative to the matretainer.

The adapter may be an elongate band comprising frangible grooves betweenadjacent pairs of the second receivers. The adapter may include a cleatportion and an elongate band portion, the cleat portion having teethextending downwardly there-from to engage the vehicle's floor andprevent inadvertent movement of the adapter relative thereto. The cleatportion may include the first receiver and the elongate band portion mayinclude the plurality of second receivers. The elongate band may includefrangible grooves between adjacent pairs of the second receivers. Thecleat portion may be rigidly or rotationally engageable with theelongate band portion. The second receivers may be passive or activevehicle floor mat retainer receivers.

Further features and aspects of the invention are disclosed with morespecificity in the Detailed Description and Drawings of an exemplaryembodiment provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with reference tothe following drawings. The components in the drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of the present invention. Moreover, in thedrawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the several views.

FIGS. 1 through 4 are a progressive series of perspective views of thedriver's side floor of a first typical automobile including a pair ofmat securing posts to show the installation of a mat system according toan exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a partial close-up exploded view of the system of FIG. 4 and apassive retainer;

FIG. 6 is a close up perspective view of the system of FIG. 4 and thepassive retainer;

FIG. 7 is a partial close-up exploded view of the system of FIG. 4 andan active retainer;

FIG. 8 is a partial top view through the system of FIG. 4 and an activeretainer;

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-section through the system of FIG. 4 and theactive retainer taken at line 9-9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a partial top view through the system of FIG. 4 and thepassive retainer;

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-section through the system of FIG. 4 and thepassive retainer taken at line 11-11 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a partial exploded view of the grommet and adapter plate ofthe system of FIG. 4;

FIG. 13 is a partial exploded view of the system of FIG. 4;

FIGS. 14 and 15 are overlays showing the multitude of varying mat shapesand retainer arrangements for prior art cars (FIG. 14) and trucks (FIG.15);

FIG. 16 is a top view of the adapter of the system of FIG. 4;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the adapter of the system of FIG. 4;

FIG. 18 is a multi-view dimension drawing of the fastening pin of thesystem of FIG. 4;

FIG. 19 is a multi-view dimension drawing of the grommet of the systemof FIG. 4;

FIG. 20 is a plan view of a trim-to-fit mat for use with the system ofFIG. 4;

FIG. 21A is a plan view of the trim-to-fit mat of FIG. 20 for use in asecond typical automobile, with the to-be-trimmed area showncross-hatched;

FIG. 21B is a perspective view of the mat of FIG. 21A after trimming;

FIG. 21C is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 4 using the mat ofFIG. 21B in the second typical automobile;

FIG. 22A is a plan view of the trim-to-fit mat of FIG. 20 for use in athird typical automobile, with the to-be-trimmed area showncross-hatched;

FIG. 22B is a perspective view of the mat of FIG. 22A after trimming;

FIG. 22C is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 4 using the mat ofFIG. 22B in the third typical automobile.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a mat and mat system according to asecond exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 24 is an exploded plan view of the retaining cleat and band of thesystem of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25A is an upwardly-directed cross-sectional view of the system ofFIG. 23 in a first configuration;

FIG. 25B is an upwardly-directed cross-sectional view of the system ofFIG. 23 in a second configuration;

FIG. 26 is a partial cross sectional exploded view of the system of FIG.23;

FIG. 27 is a partial cross sectional assembly view of the system of FIG.23;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a mat and mat system according to athird exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 29A is a top perspective view of the retention band of the systemof FIGS. 23 and 28;

FIG. 29B is a bottom perspective view of the retention band of thesystem of FIGS. 23 and 28;

FIG. 29C is a side view of the retention band of the system of FIGS. 23and 28;

FIG. 29D is a plan view of the retention band of the system of FIGS. 23and 28;

FIG. 29E is a plan view of the retention band of the system of FIGS. 23and 28 being cut to a needed length;

FIG. 30A is an upwardly-directed cross-sectional view of the system ofFIG. 28 in a first configuration;

FIG. 30B is an upwardly-directed cross-sectional view of the system ofFIG. 28 in a second configuration;

FIG. 31 is a partial cross sectional exploded view of the system of FIG.28; and

FIG. 32 is a partial cross sectional assembly view of the system of FIG.28.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is first made to FIGS. 13 and 14, which are diagrams showingoverlaid outlines of the prior art original equipment manufacture's(OEM) drivers side front floor mats for the US's top ten selling cars(FIG. 14) and trucks/SUVs (FIG. 15). Each mat outline includes thereceiving holes that mat employs to engage the mat retainers provided inthe vehicle for which that mat is intended. Represented in diagram 200of FIG. 14 are the mats for car models Honda Accord, Nissan Altima,Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Hyundai Sonata, Chevy Malibu,Chevy Impala, Ford Fusion, and Ford Focus. Represented in diagram 300 ofFIG. 15 are the mats fir truck/SUV models Ford F-Series, Dodge Ram,Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra, Ford Escape, Honda CRV, Ford Edge, ToyotaRav-4, Chevy Equinox, and Chrysler Town & Country. The variously sizedand positioned retainer receiving holes for each mat are shown.

The purpose for the FIGS. 13 and 14 diagrams is to demonstrate the widerange of retainer receiving hole patterns, and the corresponding widerange of retainer arrangements, that must be considered by aftermarketmat manufacturers. The purpose for the FIGS. 13 and 14 diagrams is alsoto demonstrate the wide range of mat shapes that must be considered byaftermarket mat manufacturers. The diagrams also demonstrate the task athand for retailers wishing to sell replacement mats for a multitude ofcar and truck models . . . even when only considering the top tenselling models and ignoring the rest. It can be appreciated that merelyproviding dozens of holes in an aftermarket mat and calling it“universal” would be impractical, as such a hole-filled mat would beunable to retain spilled fluids and shoe-borne debris, would beaesthetically unappealing, and it would be near impossible to figure outwhich holes suit any given vehicle without numerous attempts.

Next, referring momentarily to FIGS. 5 through 11, close-up views showtwo of the many typical prior art OEM mat retainers that such vehiclesnow employ to retain their dedicated mats. Today's cars will typicallyinclude either an “active” or a “passive” retainer system. While thedimensions and details of each auto manufacturer's active and passiveretainers differ, the distinction lies in the need for the user to acton the active retainer to cause engagement, while the passive retainerwill engage automatically as the mat is placed over it. In FIGS. 5, 6,10, and 11 an example of a “passive” retainer 404P is shown, and inFIGS. 7, 8, and 9 an example of an “active” retainer 404A is shown.Retainers 404A and 404P are by no means intended to represent allexisting prior art retainers and are simply provided as examples.Alternatively shaped retainer receivers may be provided in the adapterplate to accommodate other active and passive retainers should it bedesired to use the mat system with additional vehicles that thedisclosed receivers will not properly engage.

Typically, a “passive retainer” will be a simple upright post, a headedpost, a hook, or some similar device affixed to and projecting upwardlyfrom the automobile's floor. It enables the user to simply slip theretaining hole of the mat over it to engage it, and the mat is thusprevented from sliding about the car's floor. Typically, an “activeretainer” will be a device affixed to the automobile's floor thatincludes some moveable component which, after the mat's retaining holehas been slipped over it, is twisted, slid, or otherwise moved to engageand lock the mat to the floor, and the mat is thus prevented fromsliding about the car's floor or from being lifted from the floorwithout further action on the retainer by the user. As used in thisdocument, the terms “active retainer” and “passive retainer” are sointended, and such should be considered the definitions of these termsas used herein.

Referring next to FIGS. 1 through 4, installation of an exemplary matsystem 100, according to the invention, into a typical automobile 400 isshown. The system includes a contoured mat portion 102, an adapter plate104, a headed fastener pin 106, and a grommet 108. The automobile'scarpeted floor 402 includes a pair of mat retainers 404 which arepermanently installed in the automobile at manufacture to mate with andretain a particular mat made by the auto manufacturer and dedicated tothis automobile model. The retainers may be either active or passiveretainers in this example.

Adapter plate 104 is preferably made of Polypropylene or ABS plastic,but could be made of metal or any suitable alternative material. Itincludes first and second retainer receivers 112A and 112P, called“primary receivers” for engaging one of the automobile's retainers, andan array of twenty-three “secondary receivers” in the form of holes 116for use in engaging the mat portion to the adapter plate. The adapterplate is swung horizontally and positioned over the floor so that theappropriate primary receiver is directly over the retainer and thesecondary receivers are generally over the center to the portion of thefloor where the mat portion is to be placed. This ensures that at leastone of the secondary receivers will be within a few centimeters of theideal location for proper positioning of the mat portion. The adapterplate is then dropped down and its primary receiver is slipped over theretainer. The adapter plate includes cleats 114 which can either be“wiggled” down into the fibers of the floor's carpet, ort will be pusheddown into the fibers over time, to prevent inadvertent later rotation ofthe adapter plate relative to the retainer. The adapter plate is securedin place as one would normally secure an OEM mat . . . if the retaineris passive, this portion of the installation is complete, but if theretainer is active, the retainer is moved to engage and lock the adapterplate in place.

Next, after selecting which secondary receiver 116 is closest to thecenter of the floor by observation, grommet 108 is pushed and snappedinto that receiver, as shown in close-up in FIG. 12. Referring to FIG.19, one can see that the grommet, preferably made of ABS or POM plastic,includes a shank portion 140 and a head portion 142, the shank portionbeing cross-slotted to allow it to be temporarily compressed as it isinserted into the adapter plate's receiver and to then expand to securethe grommet to the receiver. The grommet has a hole 122 passinglongitudinally through its center.

The mat portion is next laid over the adapter plate and grommet suchthat its locator hole 126 is directly over hole 122 of the grommet, andthe mat portion is rotationally aligned with the floor. Because thecentermost secondary receiver 116 was chosen on the adapter plate intowhich to place the grommet, the mat portion should be properlylongitudinally and transversely aligned once it is rotationally aligned.If, however, it is found that the mat portion is not properly alignedtransversely or longitudinally, the grommet may be easily popped out ofthe chosen receiver and snapped into another.

The mat portion is preferably injection molded of thermoplastic rubberand may include carpeted sections, support and perimeter ribbing, andspill-containing reservoirs. The flexibility of the mat allows it to beshipped and sold in a flat condition, yet adapt to the contours of thevehicle's floor.

With the mat portion properly aligned, shank portion 118 of fastener pin106 is next passed though locator hole 126 and into grommet hole 122, asbest seen in FIG. 13, to secure the mat portion to the adapter plate.Referring to FIGS. 13 and 18, it can be seen that the preferablypolypropylene or ABS fastener pin's shank portion 118 is continuouslybarbed. This allows that that it can engage an unshown internal ribwithin grommet hole 122 regardless of the depth that the fastener pin isinserted into the grommet. This adjustability allows for snug securementof the mat portion to the grommet despite variations in the matportion's thickness. The fastener pin is pushed in until its head 120sits firmly down on the locator hole and the internal rib of the grommetengages the mating barb of the fastener pin's shank. The fastener pinmay be removed to remove the mat portion from the adapter plate, such asfor realigning it, by firmly pulling on the fastener pin's head.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 6, 10 and 11, it can be seen that receiver 112P isa tapered keyhole, stepped and contoured to enable it to engage a widerange of passive retainer shapes and sizes, including exemplary passiveheaded retainer 404P. Referring to the dimension drawings of FIG. 16 itcan be seen that the larger end of this opening is wide enough toreceive a passive headed retainer having a head diameter over one halfinch. The larger end of the keyhole is simply passed over the retainer'shead 406P and the adapter plate is then pushed forwardly until thetapering of the keyhole grasps the retainer's shank 408P, then theadapter plate is pressed down so that its cleats 114 engage the carpet.

Referring to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, it can be seen that exemplary activeretainer receiver 112A is a slot adapted to receive the rotatable head406A of exemplary active retainer 404A. Referring to the dimensiondrawings of FIG. 16 it can be seen that the slot is capable of receivingan active retainer having a rotatable rectangular head up toapproximately three-quarters inch by seven-sixteenths inch. The slot ispassed over the rotatable head 406A and the head is rotated a quarter ofa turn to entrap the adapter plate.

FIG. 16 is a scalable top view dimension drawing of adapter plate 104,FIG. 18 is a scalable multi-view dimension drawing 150 of fastener pin106, and FIG. 19 is a scalable multi-view dimension drawing 152 ofgrommet 108. The dimensions provided therein form part of thisdisclosure.

As should be appreciated, system 100 is adaptable for use in a multitudeof various vehicles, including but not limited to all of those of thediagrams of FIGS. 14 and 15. Because the adapter plate may berotationally positioned relative to the vehicles retainer and becausethe adapter plate includes such a large an array of secondary receivers,the grommet, and therefore the center of the mat portion, may be locatedover a large range relative to the retainer and the vehicle's floor.Additionally, the fastener pin/grommet connection allows wideflexibility in the rotational alignment of the mat portion relative tothe vehicle's floor.

It should be noted that reference to mat portion 102 as the “mat”,adapter plate 104 as the “adapter”, and the totality of the mat, adapterplate, pin and grommet as the “mat system”, is not intended to preventone from alternatively considering the totality as a “mat”, with matportion 102 serving as a mat portion thereof

Referring next to FIG. 20, there is shown a mat 602 for use in theafore-described system which includes a plurality of peripheral outlines604, which serve as trimming guidelines. Each guideline defines aperipheral shape to which the mat may be selectively trimmed tocorrespond to a particular model of automobile. FIGS. 21A-21C depict thetrimming of the mat 602 for use in automobile model 400A, and FIGS.22A-22C depict the trimming of the mat 602 for use in automobile model400B.

In FIG. 21A, mat 602 can be seen to include two portions, useableportion 602A which is shaped to fit automobile model 400A, and wasteportion 602AX. Referring FIG. 21B, usable portion 602A is shownpost-trimming. In FIG. 21C, usable portion 602A is shown affixed toadapter 104 by fastener 106 and positioned and aligned for properplacement onto the floor of vehicle 400A, as previously described.

The mat may be sold with instructions teaching the end user how toproperly trim the mat to fit to his automobile. For instance, eachoutline may be colored differently and the instruction may include alist of automobile models with the color of the outline that theend-user should follow to trim the mat for that model. Or the user maybe instructed to lay his old worn-out OEM mat over the replacement matto identify the outline that should be followed. Or text may be engravedin the mold that makes the mat so that each outline has a list ofcorresponding automobile models along side.

After properly trimming his mat 602A to the appropriate shape, the userinstalls the mat into the automobile as in FIGS. 3 and 4, using theadapter 104 and fastener 106 to properly secure the mat to theautomobile's mat retainer 404. The ability to pivot the adapter 104along a substantially horizontal plane about a fixed vertical axisdefined by the mat retainer 404, and to pivot the mat 602A along asubstantially horizontal plane about a fixed pivot axis defined by thefastener 106 enables variation of a rotational disposition of thetrimmed mat relative to the vehicle floor, to perfectly align and fitthe mat to the floor in the intended position and to secure the mat tothe floor in the intended manner.

In FIG. 22A, the same mat 602 can be seen to include two differentportions, useable portion 602B which is shaped to fit automobile model400B, and waste portion 602BX. Referring FIG. 22B, usable portion 602Bis shown post-trimming. In FIG. 22C, usable portion 602B is shownaffixed to adapter 104 by fastener 106 and positioned and aligned forproper placement onto the floor of different vehicle 400B, as previouslydescribed.

Referring next to FIGS. 23 through 27, there is shown a second matsystem 700 in accordance with the invention. This embodiment includesmat 702, retention cleat 704, and retention band 706. The mat isequipped with a downwardly directed cleat engagement button 707,permanently and integrally formed centrally on the mat's underside.

The cleat engagement button 707 is preferably made of a relatively hardplastic or metal, but may be of any suitable substantially rigidmaterial. In those cases where the mat 702 is made of thermoplastic, athermoplastic rubber, or another molded rubberlike material, the cleatengagement button may be formed as an integral part of and of the samematerial as the mat. Or the cleat engagement button may be preformed ofa more suitable material and the mat may be over-molded (insert-molded)to capture it. Or the cleat engagement button may be preformed and thenglued, sewn, or welded to the underside of the mat.

The cleat 704 is preferable made of a substantially five-inch square ofmetal or of a relatively hard plastic material. The cleat includes acleat engagement button receiver hole 708, a retention band engagementbutton 710, and a plurality of downwardly depending teeth 712. The teethextend from the substantially square periphery of the cleat. The cleatengagement button receiver hole is disposed centrally through the cleat,and the retention band engagement button is disposed on an extending tabat a distance of approximately six inches from the from the cleatengagement button receiver hole.

The cleat engagement button receiver hole is shaped to receive andengage with the cleat engagement button that depends downwardly form theunderside of the mat, as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27. This engagement maybe permanent or removable. This engagement allows rotational movementbetween the mat and the cleat, when the cleat is engaged to the mat withthe teeth depending downwardly away from the mat.

The retention band engagement button 710 may be integrally formed withthe cleat or may be a distinct component of the same or of a differentmaterial. For instance, if the cleat was made of sheet metal, it mayinclude a retention band engagement button upper receiver hole 714 whichis shaped to receive a separate retention band engagement button that ismade of plastic.

The retention band 706 is an elongated strip preferably made of anelastomeric material such as thermoplastic rubber. The strip includes aretention band engagement button lower receiver hole 716 and a pluralityof automobile mat retainer receiving holes 717 aligned linearly andhaving frangible grooves 718 disposed there-between. The grooves may bethinned lines capable of tearing by hand, if may be indication lines tobe cut by scissors. The particular groove which is cut will depend onthe application within the automobile, as appreciated by FIGS. 25A and25B. Retention band 706 is similar in most ways to retention band 806 ofthe third embodiment described further below, and reference may be madeto FIGS. 29A-29C for either embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 26 and 27, when the retention band is disposed belowthe cleat, opposite from the mat, with the retention band's retentionband engagement button lower receiver hole 716 aligned with the cleat'sretention band engagement button 710 (and with the retention bandengagement button upper receiver hole 714 if applicable), the retentionband is engageable to the cleat by snapping the cleat's retention bandengagement button through the retention band engagement button upperreceiver hole (if applicable) and the retention band's retention bandengagement button lower receiver hole. The retention band and cleat maypreferably be rigidly engaged or may be relatively rotationally engaged.Should it be desired that the retention band and cleat are rigidlyengaged, the retention band engagement button and the hole(s) it engagescould be shaped accordingly, such as square or keyed.

Referring now to FIGS. 25A and 25B, the mat/cleat/retention bandassembly is next disposed on the floor 402 of the automobile. It shouldbe recognized that this view is a cross-section through an automobilemat retainer 404, taken from the floor of the automobile upwardlytowards the mat system. The mat is positioned approximately as intendedatop the floor, the cleat/retention band assembly is rotated relative tothe mat until one of the automobile mat retainer receiving holes 717 ofthe retention band is proximate with the automobile mat retainer 404.The distally-adjacent groove 718 of the retention band may then be cutor torn, with the cut-off portion being discarded. The mat system isthen slightly shifted if needed to precisely align the mat retainer 404and receiving hole 717, then the two are engaged as shown in FIG. 27.

FIGS. 28 through 32 show a third mat system 800, similar to the secondsystem 700, except that a longer retention band 806 is used in the placeof the cleat 704 and retention band 706 of the second embodiment, andthe longer retention band 806 is equipped with a receiver hole 808 thatengages directly to the mat 804 at the mat's retention band engagementbutton 807. Otherwise, installation is similar, and item numbering inthe Figures is the same as the numbering for the second embodiment,where applicable, except starting at 800 rather than at 700.

Because the cleat 704 of the second embodiment 700 and the retentionband 806 of the third embodiment 800 are rotational relative to the mat,and because the retention bands 706 and 806 of both embodiments arerotational relative to the automobile's mat retainer, the mat may berotated and moved forward-to-backward and side-to-side relative to thefloor of the automobile to most precisely position and attached the mat.

It should be understood that while the invention has been shown anddescribed with reference to the specific exemplary embodiments shown,various changes in form and detail may be made without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention, and that the invention shouldtherefore only be limited according to the following claims, includingall equivalent interpretation to which they are entitled. It should alsobe understood that while the exemplary embodiments disclose automotiveuse, the invention may be useful in any type of vehicle, such as but notlimited to trains, trucks, buses, boats, ships, and planes.

We claim:
 1. A mat system for a vehicle floor having a floor matretainer defining a fixed first vertical axis, the floor mat systemcomprising an adapter portion, and a mat portion; wherein the adapterportion comprises a first receiver to enable engagement of the adapterportion to the mat and a plurality of second receivers to enableengagement of the adapter portion to the mat retainer at a selected oneof a multitude of locations, each engagement of the adapter portion tothe mat retainer being rotational about the fixed first vertical axis,according to a selection from the plurality of second receivers; the matportion comprises a fastener defining a second vertical axis anddisposed inboard on the mat portion for rotational engagement with thefirst receiver about the second vertical axis to allow variation of arotational disposition of the mat portion relative to the adapterportion, the second vertical axis being parallel to the fixed firstvertical axis; and whereby a selectable distance is established betweenthe first and second vertical axes by the selection from the pluralityof second receivers, and rotation of the mat portion about the secondvertical axis together with the selection from the plurality of secondreceivers and the rotation of the adapter portion about the fixed firstvertical axis cooperate to allow selectable variation of a rotationaland orthogonal disposition of the mat portion relative to the matretainer.
 2. The floor mat system of claim 1 wherein the adapter portionis an elongate band comprising frangible grooves between adjacent pairsof the second receivers.
 3. The floor mat system of claim 1 wherein theadapter portion comprises a cleat portion and an elongate band portion,the cleat portion comprising teeth extending downwardly there-from toengage the vehicle's floor and prevent inadvertent movement of theadapter portion relative thereto.
 4. The floor mat system of claim 3wherein the cleat portion comprises the first receiver and the elongateband portion comprises the plurality of second receivers.
 5. The floormat system of claim 3 wherein the elongate band comprises frangiblegrooves between adjacent pairs of the second receivers.
 6. The floor matsystem of claim 5 wherein the cleat portion is rigidly engageable withthe elongate band portion.
 7. The floor mat system of claim 5 whereinthe cleat portion is rotationally engageable with the elongate bandportion.
 8. The floor mat system of claim 5 wherein the second receiversare passive vehicle floor mat retainer receivers.
 9. The floor mat ofclaim 5 wherein the second receivers are active vehicle floor matretainer receivers.
 10. The floor mat system of claim 1 wherein thefastener comprises a headed post depending downwardly from the matportion and integrated therewith by one or more of gluing, sewing, andover-molding.
 11. A floor mat for use on a vehicle floor and for usewith an adapter engageable to a mat retainer of the vehicle floor, themat retainer defining a fixed first vertical axis, and the adaptercomprising a first receiver to enable engagement of the adapter to themat and a plurality of second receivers to enable engagement of theadapter to the mat retainer at a selected one of a multitude oflocations according to a selection from the plurality of secondreceivers, each engagement of the adapter to the mat retainer beingrotational about the fixed first vertical axis; wherein the floor matcomprises a fastener defining a second vertical axis and disposedinboard on the mat for rotational engagement with the first receiverabout the second vertical axis to allow variation of a rotationaldisposition of the mat relative to the adapter, the second vertical axisbeing parallel to the fixed first vertical axis; and whereby aselectable distance is established between the first and second verticalaxes by the selection from the plurality of second receivers, androtation of the mat about the second vertical axis together with theselection from the plurality of second receivers and the rotation of theadapter about the fixed first vertical axis cooperate to allowselectable variation of a rotational and orthogonal disposition of themat relative to the mat retainer.
 12. The floor mat of claim 11 whereinthe fastener comprises a headed post depending downwardly from the floormat and integrated therewith by one or more of gluing, sewing, andover-molding.
 13. An adapter for use on a vehicle floor and with a floormat, and a mat retainer of the vehicle floor, the mat retainer defininga fixed first vertical axis, and the mat comprising a fastener defininga second vertical axis and disposed inboard on the mat, the secondvertical axis being parallel to the fixed first vertical axis; whereinthe adapter comprises a first receiver for rotational engagement withthe fastener of the mat about the second vertical axis to allowvariation of a rotational disposition of the mat relative to theadapter, and a plurality of second receivers to enable engagement of theadapter to the mat retainer at a selected one of a multitude oflocations according to a selection from the plurality of secondreceivers, each engagement of the adapter to the mat retainer beingrotational about the fixed first vertical axis; and whereby a selectabledistance is established between the first and second vertical axes bythe selection from the plurality of second receivers, and rotation ofthe mat about the second vertical axis together with the selection fromthe plurality of second receivers and the rotation of the adapter aboutthe fixed first vertical axis cooperate to allow selectable variation ofa rotational and orthogonal disposition of the mat relative to the matretainer.
 14. The adapter of claim 13 wherein the adapter is an elongateband comprising frangible grooves between adjacent pairs of the secondreceivers.
 15. The adapter of claim 13 wherein the adapter comprises acleat portion and an elongate band portion, the cleat portion comprisingteeth extending downwardly there-from to engage the vehicle's floor andprevent inadvertent movement of the adapter relative thereto.
 16. Theadapter of claim 15 wherein the cleat portion comprises the firstreceiver and the elongate band portion comprises the plurality of secondreceivers.
 17. The adapter of claim 15 wherein the elongate bandcomprises frangible grooves between adjacent pairs of the secondreceivers.
 18. The adapter of claim 17 wherein the cleat portion isrigidly engageable with the elongate band portion.
 19. The adapter ofclaim 17 wherein the cleat portion is rotationally engageable with theelongate band portion.
 20. The floor mat system of claim 17 wherein thesecond receivers are passive vehicle floor mat retainer receivers. 21.The floor mat of claim 17 wherein the second receivers are activevehicle floor mat retainer receivers.